Student Paper 1.4
Physical scale modeling of VHF/UHF SAR collection geometries

Christopher J Beaudoin - University of Massachusetts Lowell Submillimeter-Wave Technology Laboratory, Andrew Gatesman - University of Massachusetts Lowell Submillimeter-Wave Technology Laboratory, Jerry Waldman - University of Massachusetts Lowell Submillimeter-Wave Technology Laboratory, Robert Giles - University of Massachusetts Lowell Submillimeter-Wave Technology Laboratory, Mark Clinard - University of Massachusetts Lowell Submillimeter-Wave Technology Laboratory, William Nixon - U.S. Army National Ground Intelligence Center

Tue, 27 April 2004, 9:30 AM - 10:20 AM

Abstract

A method of physically modeling a linear flight path SAR collection in a scale-model VHF/UHF ISAR facility is presented. Accurate modeling of a SAR?s collection geometry is necessary if meaningful comparisons are to be made between scale-model and field imagery. The advantage of collecting data in a linear flight path geometry is that height-unlimited focusing of scatterers can be achieved. The technique utilizes precise orientation of the target?s azimuth and elevation relative to the fixed radar antenna, thereby effectively simulating a linear flight path collection. The impact of such a collection at VHF/UHF frequencies is demonstrated by comparing linear flight path ISAR imagery with traditional fixed grazing angle ISAR imagery. Both simulated and instrumented imagery will be presented.